Tributes paid to Oakdale's 'giant of the Valleys' Allan Pritchard

TRIBUTES are being paid to "a giant of the Valleys", Allan Pritchard, and former Plaid Cymru leader at Caerphilly council, who has died of cancer.

Mr Pritchard, who lived in Oakdale, leaves behind his wife Pauline and two daughters, Kailey and Rhayna, as well as three grandchildren. He was 71.

Lindsay Whittle, South Wales East AM, said: "Allan served two terms as my deputy when I was leader of Caerphilly council and took over as leader after I was elected to the National Assembly.

"Allan was a giant of the Valleys, a larger than life character who was always committed to doing his best for his community and those across the county borough.

"Alan was a musician, a poet, a first class rugby player, a family man and a Welsh nationalist. He was the epitome of a Welshman. I will miss my close friend dearly. His life has been cut short far too early."

Fellow South Wales East AM Jocelyn Davies, who served with Allan Pritchard on the former Islwyn council, said: "Allan’s passion for his home village of Oakdale – which he always referred to as the city on the hill – as well as the community and his country never waned one jot in all that time.

"Allan devoted his life to public service with the support and understanding of his wonderful family. He was a politician of commitment who always stood up to challenges and never shied away from difficult decisions. His retirement was well earned, but sadly all too brief."

Colin Mann, current leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly council, said: "Allan was truly a giant of a man, not only in his stature but also in his personality and his beliefs.

"He served his party and his country with honour for many decades.

"Allan battled bravely against cancer and my thoughts at this difficult time are with Pauline, his daughters and the family."

Leanne Wood, Leader of Plaid Cymru, said: "Allan was an amazing man who gave so much to the Welsh national cause.

"His dedication, belief and ability to inspire and enthuse others was incomparable while his humour and love of life was infectious. He was always personally supportive to me. My thoughts are with his family."

Mr Pritchard lost his seat on Caerphilly council in the 2012 elections, along with many of his colleagues, as Labour regained power of the local authority in a landslide win.

Comments (4)

Rest in peace Allan, you have served us all with great credit, irespective of political persuasion. Although my political party differs from yours, I recognise that you worked very hard for everyone. Oakdale will miss your efforts and so will the Principlaity, because people of your like are few and far between. Rest well old friend, may the good lord bless and look after you, recognising the sacrifice you made on this earth for all. God bless your family in this very difficult time. Sleep tight you have done your duty.

Rest in peace Allan, you have served us all with great credit, irespective of political persuasion. Although my political party differs from yours, I recognise that you worked very hard for everyone. Oakdale will miss your efforts and so will the Principlaity, because people of your like are few and far between. Rest well old friend, may the good lord bless and look after you, recognising the sacrifice you made on this earth for all. God bless your family in this very difficult time. Sleep tight you have done your duty.DavidReesJ

Allan started his rugby career with New Tredegar Youth before playing senior first class rugby for Tredegar, then back to his hometown Oakdale rfc.
Allan played rugby until he was in his 50s even then he played most positions up front and even a few positions behind, He was a good tough player who loved his rugby and never failed to start a sing song after a match.
No matter where you were, in a club, on a bus, even in the street, if Allan was there you would end up singing.
It has been my privilege to have known and to have played alongside Allan.
R.I.P. Allan

Allan started his rugby career with New Tredegar Youth before playing senior first class rugby for Tredegar, then back to his hometown Oakdale rfc.
Allan played rugby until he was in his 50s even then he played most positions up front and even a few positions behind, He was a good tough player who loved his rugby and never failed to start a sing song after a match.
No matter where you were, in a club, on a bus, even in the street, if Allan was there you would end up singing.
It has been my privilege to have known and to have played alongside Allan.
R.I.P. Allanedwolf88

Allan is with me in my oldest memories, living next door to my grandparents where I spent a lot of time, only a couple of months older than him soon after I started to walk I made my way next door where I was greeted by Allan`s wonderful mother in days following this I would meet the rest of the family, there was two pair of gloves (16 oz I think) and the brothers smiling faces all around , time went by and we would soon be in school , these days gave me more golden memories of times with Allan, then there was the late fifties and a year or so into the sixties where Allan become known throughout the valleys for a bit more than his love for a game of rugby and a sing song making the magic of a group lead singer no matter where we was, there are no better joys for me now than to roll back the years and reminisce Allan and all us boys. Graham Caffyn

Allan is with me in my oldest memories, living next door to my grandparents where I spent a lot of time, only a couple of months older than him soon after I started to walk I made my way next door where I was greeted by Allan`s wonderful mother in days following this I would meet the rest of the family, there was two pair of gloves (16 oz I think) and the brothers smiling faces all around , time went by and we would soon be in school , these days gave me more golden memories of times with Allan, then there was the late fifties and a year or so into the sixties where Allan become known throughout the valleys for a bit more than his love for a game of rugby and a sing song making the magic of a group lead singer no matter where we was, there are no better joys for me now than to roll back the years and reminisce Allan and all us boys. Graham CaffynNunker

We were first cousins uncle joe his father being my mothers brother I remember allan and pauline having a kitten off us when I was very small he was a truly lovely man who will be sadly missed nicky lee was price xxx

We were first cousins uncle joe his father being my mothers brother I remember allan and pauline having a kitten off us when I was very small he was a truly lovely man who will be sadly missed nicky lee was price xxxlizandajai